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We Need to Talk: Films
18 August, 2014
23 July, 2014
Thor (2011)
"Well, 'Magic's just science we don't understand yet.' Arthur C. Clarke." Dr. Jane Foster
My favorite thing about Thor is how amazing Jane is. She's intelligent, independent, she takes intiative, and she's not afraid of things that she doesn't understand. She embraces them and analyzes them. This is the kind of woman that needs to be featured in these kind of films. (Marvel has proven to be very good at this. See The Amazing Spider-Man and Iron Man 3.) Beyond that, we have a pretty interesting plot here. I mean, it's pretty daring to take a superhero film and remove the superhero from it. Thor is mortal for a good portion of this film and his story becomes less about his powers and more about his journey to find himself and fight for what he believes to be right. He grows up and matures throughout the film and it's just done very well. Though the true villain of the film isn't particularly interesting, the development of Loki as a character is. He makes plans, and you never really know how much of them you know about. He may or may not do exactly what he says he will, and you never really know his true motivation behind any of his actions. He's an interesting character with an interesting past and a whole lot of ideas in his head. Though he's not really the villain in this film, he's a good character who has his own journey to finding himself. The relationships between all of the characters are crafted very well and are portrayed flawlessly. None of them are just skin deep. They are used in interesting ways to further the story and they are entertaining to watch. For a series which has so far been entirely based around science, the 'magic' was done well and explained in a very scientific way to help Thor fit into the rest of the films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film itself was beautiful and the attention to detail in the sets and the costuming was breathtaking.
Rank: 36
My favorite thing about Thor is how amazing Jane is. She's intelligent, independent, she takes intiative, and she's not afraid of things that she doesn't understand. She embraces them and analyzes them. This is the kind of woman that needs to be featured in these kind of films. (Marvel has proven to be very good at this. See The Amazing Spider-Man and Iron Man 3.) Beyond that, we have a pretty interesting plot here. I mean, it's pretty daring to take a superhero film and remove the superhero from it. Thor is mortal for a good portion of this film and his story becomes less about his powers and more about his journey to find himself and fight for what he believes to be right. He grows up and matures throughout the film and it's just done very well. Though the true villain of the film isn't particularly interesting, the development of Loki as a character is. He makes plans, and you never really know how much of them you know about. He may or may not do exactly what he says he will, and you never really know his true motivation behind any of his actions. He's an interesting character with an interesting past and a whole lot of ideas in his head. Though he's not really the villain in this film, he's a good character who has his own journey to finding himself. The relationships between all of the characters are crafted very well and are portrayed flawlessly. None of them are just skin deep. They are used in interesting ways to further the story and they are entertaining to watch. For a series which has so far been entirely based around science, the 'magic' was done well and explained in a very scientific way to help Thor fit into the rest of the films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film itself was beautiful and the attention to detail in the sets and the costuming was breathtaking.
Rank: 36
22 July, 2014
Iron Man (2008)
"Let's face it, this is not the worst thing you've caught me doing." Tony Stark
I really love Tony Stark. I think that he is absolutely hilarious. This film really sets the tone for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We see both scientific and political themes. We get this idea of futuristic, but now. We see characters faced with things that would break most people, and we see determination to rise above. We see honing of skills and ideas. And of course, we see boring superhero-paralleled villains. Let's talk about the good stuff first. The science that we see in this film is freaking gorgeous! Even better, it's believable that we're not in some distant future. It seems attainable and current, though still foreign. It's something that only people with money to burn can afford, and it's beautiful. It's clean and clear and smart and absolutely incredible to see used. We see how world-wide events affect Tony. We see the politics that he must (and fails to) abide by. We see Tony put into a situation and forced into submission, only to prove that he doesn't answer to anyone. We see development, trial and error, and change. We see Iron Man become what he needs to be and we see the process that taught Tony exactly why the end result is what it is. It's all done so well. Robert Downey Jr. takes Tony from this arrogant prick who can't see three feet in front of his own face to someone with beliefs, ideas and a reason to fight for them. Plus, he manages to keep that brash sarcasm that makes Tony Stark who he is throughout the whole process. It's beyond entertaining. The biggest fault with this film is the villain. Not only is he boring and incredibly predictable, he pretty much becomes Iron Man for the final battle. Now, I know why this has to happen. If Iron Man just fights a normal person, it's obvious who will win. So they make Iron Man fight wannabe-Iron-Man, which in my opinion is just boring. They've brought them so closely to the same level that they might as well just have a thumb war and call it a day. The same thing had to happen at the end of The Incredible Hulk. Like fights like. What would be infinitely more interesting would be if the villain had some kind of strength or power, just not the exact same one as the superhero who's trying to stop him! Don't put Iron Man against wannabe-Iron-Man who is basically just going to cancel out his awesomeness by having the same abilities. Put him against someone with superhuman strength or someone who can scramble J.A.R.V.I.S.'s systems. It would not only have been a more interesting (and less predictable) fight, but it would have been more empowering for Tony. It would have taught him more about both himself and Iron Man.
Basically, this film is brilliant. It falls victim to Marvel's highest hurdle, but the rest is so good that you don't really care. (I've just had a lot of time to think about much cooler the final battle could have been.)
Rank: 37
I really love Tony Stark. I think that he is absolutely hilarious. This film really sets the tone for the Marvel Cinematic Universe. We see both scientific and political themes. We get this idea of futuristic, but now. We see characters faced with things that would break most people, and we see determination to rise above. We see honing of skills and ideas. And of course, we see boring superhero-paralleled villains. Let's talk about the good stuff first. The science that we see in this film is freaking gorgeous! Even better, it's believable that we're not in some distant future. It seems attainable and current, though still foreign. It's something that only people with money to burn can afford, and it's beautiful. It's clean and clear and smart and absolutely incredible to see used. We see how world-wide events affect Tony. We see the politics that he must (and fails to) abide by. We see Tony put into a situation and forced into submission, only to prove that he doesn't answer to anyone. We see development, trial and error, and change. We see Iron Man become what he needs to be and we see the process that taught Tony exactly why the end result is what it is. It's all done so well. Robert Downey Jr. takes Tony from this arrogant prick who can't see three feet in front of his own face to someone with beliefs, ideas and a reason to fight for them. Plus, he manages to keep that brash sarcasm that makes Tony Stark who he is throughout the whole process. It's beyond entertaining. The biggest fault with this film is the villain. Not only is he boring and incredibly predictable, he pretty much becomes Iron Man for the final battle. Now, I know why this has to happen. If Iron Man just fights a normal person, it's obvious who will win. So they make Iron Man fight wannabe-Iron-Man, which in my opinion is just boring. They've brought them so closely to the same level that they might as well just have a thumb war and call it a day. The same thing had to happen at the end of The Incredible Hulk. Like fights like. What would be infinitely more interesting would be if the villain had some kind of strength or power, just not the exact same one as the superhero who's trying to stop him! Don't put Iron Man against wannabe-Iron-Man who is basically just going to cancel out his awesomeness by having the same abilities. Put him against someone with superhuman strength or someone who can scramble J.A.R.V.I.S.'s systems. It would not only have been a more interesting (and less predictable) fight, but it would have been more empowering for Tony. It would have taught him more about both himself and Iron Man.
Basically, this film is brilliant. It falls victim to Marvel's highest hurdle, but the rest is so good that you don't really care. (I've just had a lot of time to think about much cooler the final battle could have been.)
Rank: 37
21 July, 2014
The Amazing Spider-Man (2012)
"Secrets have a cost, they're not for free. Not now, not ever." May Parker
The thing that really puts this Spider-Man film above previous Spider-Man films is Gwen Stacy. Gwen Stacy is the perfect love-interest for Peter Parker. She's popular and well-liked, but also intelligent and independent. I never got beyond the hot-popular-redhead-ness of Mary Jane Watson. She wasn't a character that could really work with Peter. She was just something to aspire to and want with no real logic or reasoning behind the desire. Peter needs someone who will fight for him, keep up with him, challenge him, and sometimes even ground him. The characters and their relationship is played so much more realistically than the parallel pairing of the first trilogy. Of course that is helped by Emma Stone's and Andrew Garfield's real life relationship, in which Emma completely embodies Gwen and teaches Andrew to be as good as he can. (Seriously, just check out this gem!) The on-screen chemistry is believable which makes all of Peter's decisions regarding Gwen seem that much more troubling, real and critical. Where the film struggles with villians, in classic Marvel style, it makes up for in characters. Ultimately, that's why we watch superhero films. For the Superheroes. For the way they deal with problems. For the people behind the mask and the real-life troubles that they face which allow us to see heroes and heroines in everyday people. That's what Marvel is amazing at, and that's what makes this film so enjoyable.
Rank: 38
The thing that really puts this Spider-Man film above previous Spider-Man films is Gwen Stacy. Gwen Stacy is the perfect love-interest for Peter Parker. She's popular and well-liked, but also intelligent and independent. I never got beyond the hot-popular-redhead-ness of Mary Jane Watson. She wasn't a character that could really work with Peter. She was just something to aspire to and want with no real logic or reasoning behind the desire. Peter needs someone who will fight for him, keep up with him, challenge him, and sometimes even ground him. The characters and their relationship is played so much more realistically than the parallel pairing of the first trilogy. Of course that is helped by Emma Stone's and Andrew Garfield's real life relationship, in which Emma completely embodies Gwen and teaches Andrew to be as good as he can. (Seriously, just check out this gem!) The on-screen chemistry is believable which makes all of Peter's decisions regarding Gwen seem that much more troubling, real and critical. Where the film struggles with villians, in classic Marvel style, it makes up for in characters. Ultimately, that's why we watch superhero films. For the Superheroes. For the way they deal with problems. For the people behind the mask and the real-life troubles that they face which allow us to see heroes and heroines in everyday people. That's what Marvel is amazing at, and that's what makes this film so enjoyable.
Rank: 38
16 July, 2014
Captain Phillips (2013)
"Thank you!" Captain Richard Phillips
I don't have many words for this film. Mostly just a series of whimpers that translates roughly to, "This film is amazingly done. The actors are incredible. The dramatic tension is insane. The direction is spot on. And OH MY GOODNESS THIS ACTUALLY HAPPENED!" Since I'm trying to review films, I think that I can muster up a few more actual words.
Though not for the faint-of-heart, this film is freaking brilliant. The direction adds to the inherent intensity of what is actually happening here. The way the story is unfolded, the way the information passes between people, the angles that we view each progression from, it’s just so cleverly thought out and executed. The plot legitimately writes itself. The intensity is paralyzing. I found myself afraid to move and stiff with fear and anticipation. With each new development, you’re more on edge. Despite how far the odds seem against his favor, you just keep rooting for Captain Phillips and his crew. He is a strong, easy to love character. His dedication to his job, family and crew is unparalleled, and you want nothing more than for him to persevere. His journey from leader to composure in the face of danger, to absolute fear is heart-wrenching and beautifully portrayed by Tom Hanks. The fact that he wasn’t even nominated for an Academy Award is a massive insult. Most actors do not have the ability to play such a wide range in one film with so much conviction. Barkhad Abdi was also incredible. He played in control and scared at the same time so well. He showed the softer sides of his character so discretely, yet deliberately. Without knowing much about his character, we know his background. We know that he has been taught that this is what he must do to make a living. This is just a job, and though he completes it and treats it as one, he does not enjoy doing it to good people. Brilliant acting, direction and dramatic tension would mean absolutely nothing if it weren’t for the plot. The plot is clear and effective, strong and simple. Here’s the kicker, it’s based off of a true story! Captain Phillips is an actual man who was the captain of a boat with no armed backup that was overtaken by pirates while sailing around the horn of Africa. If that’s not enough for you, none of the captives actually got hurt. He managed to lead his crew to safety! Talk about a hero! The story of Captain Phillips is incredibly uplifting and inspiring, the actors did this brilliant story justice, and the director was an absolute genius at displaying the events of the situation in an intelligent and intensity-enhancing manor.
Rank: 39
Would be higher if not so emotionally draining. Seriously, it's brilliant. You just don't need to rematch it for a little while.
15 July, 2014
Captain America: The First Avenger (2011)
"I don't wanna kill anyone. I don't like bullies. I don't care where they're from." Steve Rogers
I didn't realize until I got to the end of this film that I had already seen the ending. It was pretty disappointing honestly, and it's not even the film's fault. The film itself is great. It's a strong superhero, science fiction, action movie with strong characters and an intriguing story line. It is definitely helped by the previous films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Howard Stark is a great character, but the reason why we really feel connected to him is Tony and Iron Man 2. This film is surprisingly world-expansive without coming off as "Meanwhile, on this side of the galaxy." It expands the world throughout time, which is just brilliant. It's a risky thing to do, but it's done beautifully and cleverly. Again, the heart of the film is the characters. Steve is a great character with such a strong heart. He was always being forced to prove himself and he always did. He's an inspiring character to watch because he decides that he can do more, and then he does. (Except for the whole scientifically engineered body thing. If you want a better, stronger physique, I wouldn't suggest trying to become friends with a multi-millionaire scientific genius. There aren't many of those. Steve got lucky. Just stop whining and go to the gym.) Seriously though, the characters are great. They are strong and they relate to each other well, which is really entertaining for the viewer. The ending is slightly heartbreaking even though you had to see something like it coming. It's a well done film and definitely worth a watch.
Rank: 40
I didn't realize until I got to the end of this film that I had already seen the ending. It was pretty disappointing honestly, and it's not even the film's fault. The film itself is great. It's a strong superhero, science fiction, action movie with strong characters and an intriguing story line. It is definitely helped by the previous films in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. Howard Stark is a great character, but the reason why we really feel connected to him is Tony and Iron Man 2. This film is surprisingly world-expansive without coming off as "Meanwhile, on this side of the galaxy." It expands the world throughout time, which is just brilliant. It's a risky thing to do, but it's done beautifully and cleverly. Again, the heart of the film is the characters. Steve is a great character with such a strong heart. He was always being forced to prove himself and he always did. He's an inspiring character to watch because he decides that he can do more, and then he does. (Except for the whole scientifically engineered body thing. If you want a better, stronger physique, I wouldn't suggest trying to become friends with a multi-millionaire scientific genius. There aren't many of those. Steve got lucky. Just stop whining and go to the gym.) Seriously though, the characters are great. They are strong and they relate to each other well, which is really entertaining for the viewer. The ending is slightly heartbreaking even though you had to see something like it coming. It's a well done film and definitely worth a watch.
Rank: 40
14 July, 2014
Iron Man 3 (2013)
"Remember what I told you about bullies..." Tony Stark
It's nice to see Tony Stark grow up a bit. He finally has something on his mind other than being cranky and miserable and completely self-centered. (I promise that I really do love Tony. I think he's hilarious. He's just a bit of a selfish asshole.) He's proven that he isn't perfect and that things bother him and that he has no idea of how to deal with his issues, and it's refreshing. Finally he's finding strength by analyzing his shortcomings, and it makes him more of a hero than he was in the past. He's finally become a role model. The story is interesting enough, the Iron Man suits are amazing, and Pepper Potts is freaking incredible. Seriously, she's strong, opinionated, and unique. She stands up for what she believes in and for what she needs to make her life better. Not only that, but she saves Tony from what's taking over his life and allows him to move on. As sad as I was to see the Iron Man suits destroyed because they are beautiful and awesome, I'm quite happy for Tony Stark to return, and for Iron Man to take a bit of a hiatus. Tony is finally ending a film in a good place, both physically and emotionally, and as a character he deserves some time to enjoy that, kick back with his science buddy Bruce and allow both himself and Pepper to heal and move on past all the shit he brought down on them. The characters truly are what make this film what it is, as is true in most Marvel films. Iron Man is finally teaching us that it's okay for someone who is strong to have difficulty dealing with something, that it isn't a weakness, but a part of evolving and growing.
Rank: 41
It's nice to see Tony Stark grow up a bit. He finally has something on his mind other than being cranky and miserable and completely self-centered. (I promise that I really do love Tony. I think he's hilarious. He's just a bit of a selfish asshole.) He's proven that he isn't perfect and that things bother him and that he has no idea of how to deal with his issues, and it's refreshing. Finally he's finding strength by analyzing his shortcomings, and it makes him more of a hero than he was in the past. He's finally become a role model. The story is interesting enough, the Iron Man suits are amazing, and Pepper Potts is freaking incredible. Seriously, she's strong, opinionated, and unique. She stands up for what she believes in and for what she needs to make her life better. Not only that, but she saves Tony from what's taking over his life and allows him to move on. As sad as I was to see the Iron Man suits destroyed because they are beautiful and awesome, I'm quite happy for Tony Stark to return, and for Iron Man to take a bit of a hiatus. Tony is finally ending a film in a good place, both physically and emotionally, and as a character he deserves some time to enjoy that, kick back with his science buddy Bruce and allow both himself and Pepper to heal and move on past all the shit he brought down on them. The characters truly are what make this film what it is, as is true in most Marvel films. Iron Man is finally teaching us that it's okay for someone who is strong to have difficulty dealing with something, that it isn't a weakness, but a part of evolving and growing.
Rank: 41
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